FIFA strongly denied reports that President Gianni Infantino promised Morocco the 2030 World Cup final in exchange for political backing ahead of his re-election campaign.
Lenovo, behind the success of Ref Cam at the Men's World Cup, is developing advanced AI solutions for the 2026 Women's World Cup in Brazil, including digital twins for 1,248 players to enhance offside technology and an analytical tool to democratize football data.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, a breakout star of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, arrived in Santiago, Chile, to a massive reception from Colo Colo fans after multiple delays. He will join the Chilean club on an initial six-month contract and has received a special jersey exception from the Chilean Football Federation.
Footballer Lamine Yamal's journey is marked by his family's struggles, including his mother becoming a teen parent, his father's immigrant challenges and a near-fatal attack, and his grandmother's undocumented migration, all of which shaped his gratitude and drive.
Sunday's UK front pages feature Chancellor John Healey's warning to supermarkets against price gouging amid the Middle East crisis, fears of a "tax on death" for social care, and revelations about Nigel Farage's secret deal to return as Reform UK leader. Other stories include the Ceuta border crisis, a Fifa World Cup plan fallout, and various crime reports.
FIFA withdrew its controversial proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup, but the backlash has put President Gianni Infantino's future in doubt. Resignations and allegations of deception have fueled speculation that challengers, including Nasser al-Khelaifi, Victor Montagliani, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, Aleksander Ceferin, and Patrice Motsepe, may emerge for the March FIFA presidential elections.
UEFA's 55 member federations will boycott all FIFA competitions, protesting President Gianni Infantino's secret plan to sell 20% stakes in the World Cup's commercial operations to private equity, including a firm linked to Joshua Kushner.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino abandoned a controversial plan to sell a stake in future World Cup profits to private investors, including Joshua Kushner, following widespread backlash from European federations, senior staff resignations, and threats of boycotts, casting doubt on his re-election prospects.
Neymar, 34, announces retirement from international football after 16 years with Brazil, ending his career as the nation's all-time leading scorer with 80 goals in 130 appearances.
Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić retires after officiating the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, concluding a 19-year career marked by high-profile UEFA and FIFA appointments.
Cristian Volpato, 22, tested positive for cocaine after being stopped twice by police in Sydney for speeding, just days after playing for Australia in the 2026 World Cup.
Jürgen Klopp, newly appointed Germany manager, threatens to resign if his family is targeted by public scrutiny, as he takes over a team seeking rebound from another disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign.
Spain's World Cup victory has significantly elevated the national team's international profile and fan engagement, driven by the RFEF's digital communication strategy. Social media accounts gained 6.7 million followers, and a four-part docuseries on the triumph will be released on Prime Video in December.
Argentina's Nicolas Otamendi, 38, has retired from international football after a 17-year career, concluding with 139 appearances, a 2022 World Cup win, and two Copa America titles. His final match was Argentina's 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final in the US.
Argentina's decorated defender Nicolas Otamendi has announced his retirement from international football after a 17-year career, concluding with 139 appearances, a 2022 World Cup title, and two Copa America wins. His final match was a 1-0 World Cup final loss to Spain in the US.
Prediction market startup Kalshi significantly exceeded its projections during the 2026 Fifa World Cup, achieving US$27 billion in trading volume and three million users. This success propels Kalshi into wider event contracts, including new markets for clinical trials and FDA reviews, despite ongoing regulatory challenges.
Spain's 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final is being challenged by nearly 90,000 Argentine fans via a Change.org petition, alleging "controversial and corrupt" refereeing by Slavko Vinčić and demanding a replay.
Fabián Ruiz and Gavi, fresh from Spain's 2026 FIFA World Cup victory, returned to their hometown of Los Palacios y Villafranca, where they received their body weight in Bombón Colorao tomatoes. This unique tradition, also extended to Jesús Navas, celebrates local athletes, alongside plans for a monument and significant prize money for the team.
Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha and Norway striker Erling Haaland were selected for the fan-voted FIFA World Cup dream team, recognized for their exceptional performances and leading their teams to unexpected success.
The first 48-team men's World Cup in North America, won by Spain, showed mixed results. It boosted global diversity with new participants like Cape Verde but also revealed a wider class gap and a flawed third-place system. FIFA hints at further expansion to 64 teams.
The FIFA World Cup achieved record viewership for Fox Corp. and NBCUniversal, with Telemundo and Peacock setting Spanish-language broadcast records. The event highlighted the importance of live sports and Spanish-language content, driving growth for Peacock's subscribers and advertisers.
US President Donald Trump reportedly wants FIFA President Gianni Infantino to become the next UN Secretary-General, according to a New York Post report. Trump is said to be impressed by Infantino's ability to unite people, stemming from their close relationship during the FIFA World Cup, despite public scrutiny and boos at the final.
Nearly 63 million Americans watched Spain defeat Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final held in New Jersey, setting new viewership records for football in the United States and highlighting the sport's increasing popularity after decades of growth efforts.
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, leading to a heated post-match scuffle involving Gavi, Leandro Paredes, and Dani Olmo. Despite Gavi's plea against suspensions, FIFA has launched an investigation into the incidents.
